Thomas A. Davis


Colonel Thomas Alderson Davis was the founder of two military schools in the United States.

Early life and education

Davis was born in Virginia and graduated from the University of Tennessee. Shortly after college he joined his father in the shoe business.

Military career

During the Spanish–American War he served as a Captain of the 6th US Volunteer Infantry, also known as the Sixth Immunes, which was mustered at Knoxville, Tennessee and saw service in Puerto Rico.

Military academies

In 1907 he founded the El Paso Military Academy in Texas. On November 23, 1910 he opened his second academy in Pacific Beach, CA, the San Diego Army and Navy Academy. In 1921 he became officially known as Colonel.